Gareth Lyon: The opposition is trying to shift the focus from their local mismanagement to national decision-making

After having knocked on doors in six very different constituencies, across the South East, certain themes stand out. Social Care is one of them.

Gareth Lyon: By professionalising councillors, we are repeating Parliament’s mistake at a local level

Ever greater state funding is being followed by ever greater statism in political thought – and the decline of independent thought.

Gareth Lyon: To end “fake recycling”, bring in the markets and save the planet

If there was genuine competition throughout the collection and processing sector we would see a greater range of products becoming economically viable.

Gareth Lyon: Post-Boris. The Prime Minister is more Lyndon Johnson than his jokey former self.

And just like Kennedy’s successor, he must match a serious time with a focus on delivery, not just promises.

Gareth Lyon: The case for academising local authorities

Just as high performing and well-led schools were allowed to convert to being academies, good local councils should have the chance of financial independence.

Gareth Lyon: Building out is the way to victory in Rushmoor

If we listen to residents and provide good homes, then development can be popular.

Gareth Lyon: How we held the line in Rushmoor

We have built up a rapport with the Nepalese community. The key planks of their culture are profoundly Conservative.

Gareth Lyon: In Aldershot and North Hampshire, voters have got more receptive. Why? Because Brexit’s out of the news.

So could the Government please try to keep it that way until the local elections are done and dusted next week?